GUILHERME ALMEIDA
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: When it comes to hospitality, Goans are second to none. So when the Election Commission of India appointed election observers descend on the state they can be rest assured of a red carpet welcome in true Goan hospitality.
In fact, the traditional Goan warmth and hospitality awaits the three election observers, one expenditure and two general observers as they are expected to arrive in the state to oversee the filing of nomination process, beginning later this week.
Sources in the district election office, south informed that the authorities have arranged the best of cars for the election observers to ensure they are comfortable. Take note that cars usually used by chairpersons of municipal and other autonomous bodies have been requisitioned by district election staff to make them available at the disposal of the observers.
That’s not all. Election officials have booked a suite at the Margao Residency, besides two suites at the renovated Margao rest house to accommodate the observers. And if officials are to be believed, the deluxe suite at the MPT guest house will be reserved for the observers as a matter of abundant caution if anyone of them wants to station themselves in the Port Town of Vasco.
Election officials pointed out that laptops have been arranged for the observers for quick communication with ECI in Delhi. Besides, each of the observers are entitled for a computer, fax machine, telephones, clerical staff, besides a liaison officer. Round the clock security of the observers will be looked after by specially appointed personal security officers, sources said.
Says an election official: All arrangements are being put in place as per protocol to ensure the observers enjoy a comfortable stay in the state.
In the past too, election observers monitoring both Lok Sabha and Assembly polls had enjoyed traditional Goan hospitality, both in terms of stay, travel and security, sources in the know informed. And not to mention of the controversies raked up by observers for making their presence at the North Goa beach belt of Calangute-Baga lured by the Goan bonhomie.
That’s not all. Election officials have booked a suite at the Margao Residency, besides two suites at the renovated Margao rest house to accommodate the observers
